Synonyms of sparse

sparse

adjective

ˈspärs 

as in scarce

less plentiful than what is normal, necessary, or desirable

open land is sparse around here

Synonyms & Similar Words

• scarce
• poor
• scanty
• scant
• meager
• skimpy
• lacking
• insufficient
• lowest
• slender
• small
• light
• inadequate
• stingy
• exiguous
• sparing
• short
• minimal
• spare
• slim
• thin on the ground
• hand-to-mouth
• mere
• thin
• deficient
• skimp
• least
• bare-bones
• sterile
• wanting
• slightest
• bare
• littlest
• barren
• slight
• unfruitful
• unproductive
• infertile

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• abundant
• adequate
• ample
• sufficient
• plentiful
• copious
• generous
• satisfactory
• enough
• bountiful
• liberal
• rich
• tolerable
• fertile
• fruitful
• prolific
• fat
• plenteous
• lavish
• luxuriant
• extra
• fecund
• excess
• bursting
• flourishing
• thriving
• surplus
• proliferative
• teeming
• blooming
• swarming

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective sparse differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of sparse are meager, scanty, scant, skimpy, and spare. While all these words mean "falling short of what is normal, necessary, or desirable," sparse implies a thin scattering of units.

a sparse population

When might meager be a better fit than sparse?

Although the words meager and sparse have much in common, meager implies the absence of elements, qualities, or numbers necessary to a thing's richness, substance, or potency.

a meager portion of meat

In what contexts can scant take the place of sparse?

The words scant and sparse are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, scant suggests a falling short of what is desired or desirable rather than of what is essential.

in January the daylight hours are scant

When is it sensible to use scanty instead of sparse?

While in some cases nearly identical to sparse, scanty stresses insufficiency in amount, quantity, or extent.

supplies too scanty to last the winter

When could skimpy be used to replace sparse?

The meanings of skimpy and sparse largely overlap; however, skimpy usually suggests niggardliness or penury as the cause of the deficiency.

tacky housing developments on skimpy lots

Where would spare be a reasonable alternative to sparse?

In some situations, the words spare and sparse are roughly equivalent. However, spare may suggest a slight falling short of adequacy or merely an absence of superfluity.

a spare, concise style of writing

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of sparse

The Right Now’s Diana Levy — the executive producer of the stunt — asked reporters to spread out in a way that would make the turnout appear as sparse (and therefore pathetic) as possible. —Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 19 June 2026

Rainstorms should be sparse June 18, according to the weather service's forecast discussion. —David Ferrara, Cincinnati Enquirer, 19 June 2026

But since then, updates about the project have been sparse. —Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 June 2026

The narrative, though sparse, is an excellent scaffold for Jenkin. —Sam Bodrojan, IndieWire, 17 June 2026